Another M42 pic

Thanks Anthony, its nice to be complimented from a master of the craft!!
I'd love to see a colour version of your M42 mono image, at least you already have the luminance exp' in the bag, once you add rgb exp' on top, it would be a stunner!!
How long have you had your AP160? You must have been on the waiting list for the 155, when production of the new model began. I've had my 155 for 10 years now. I use the .75x telecompressor from AP, that gives me 4 different focal ratios with my 2 scopes, that helps me frame larger objects onto my CCD without having to dig out my DSLR, which I don't think would work well from my light polluted site.

David.

I'd love to see a colour version of your M42 mono image, at least you already have the luminance exp' in the bag, once you add rgb exp' on top, it would be a stunner!!

Hi Dave,

The LRGB version of M42 is a high-priority item for me and I promise to have something for all of us with the first possible opportunity. The weather is now somewhat unfavourabel but predictions are good for the weekend.

How long have you had your AP160?

I was one of the first called when the new model became available. My particular unit is #16 from the production run.

You must have been on the waiting list for the 155, when production of the new model began.

Precisely. I placed my name on the list in Aug/1999 and was finally notified in Nov/2004. The scope was ready for shipping from AP in May/2005. The total time is just under 6 yrs and which now is much higher for those placing their name on the list.

I've had my 155 for 10 years now. I use the .75x telecompressor from AP, that gives me 4 different focal ratios with my 2 scopes, that helps me frame larger objects onto my CCD without having to dig out my DSLR, which I don't think would work well from my light polluted site.

The dedictaed flat field corrector/reducer for the AP160 is a whopping $1500 which I find prohibitive. I am quite eager to have something around 800 mm focal length and will either get the 1.6x extender for my Tak-FSQ so that I will be up to 800 mm effective focal length or I will try and get the AP130/f6 which again puts me into this range.

This explains why I proceeded with the test M42 photo as I wanted to check out the field of view and how it fits in. I do not know if the AP155 reducer would also work with the AP160 since it represents a very attractive solution ($200) if it indeed does work.

Hi Anthony,
thanks for the reply, I'm sure your are enjoying the great viewing and imaging possibilities that your new scope is able to provide, as mine has done for years. When I got mine, there was no waiting list, and I got it 11 months after ordering!! I also have a 4.1" Traveler which I got in "97, 8 months after ordering, those days have loooooooooong gone!
I forgot that your focusser is 4", mine is 2.7", and the .75x compressor screws directly into that, so you may be stuck on that one. There might be another solution...AP introduced a .67x CCD compressor which screws onto the 1.25" nosepiece of your camera(assuming its 1.25"), check the AP website for details.

David.

I'm sure your are enjoying the great viewing and imaging possibilities that your new scope is able to provide, as mine has done for years.

So much so that I have quickly forgotten the long wait, the frustration during this time and the nearly 100% rise in price .... it is one sweet instrument and I really cherish it!

When I got mine, there was no waiting list, and I got it 11 months after ordering!! I also have a 4.1" Traveler which I got in "97, 8 months after ordering, those days have loooooooooong gone!

I am also on the Traveller waiting list as of 2002 but it is certain that I will never be notified for one since AP has stopped its production. As a result, I went ahead and picked up a Takahashi FSQ-106/f5 ... not a bad alternative.

I forgot that your focusser is 4", mine is 2.7", and the .75x compressor screws directly into that, so you may be stuck on that one.

I think the AP160 allows the full range from 4", 2.7", 2" and 1.25" ... I will check to make sure.

There might be another solution...AP introduced a .67x CCD compressor which screws onto the 1.25" nosepiece of your camera(assuming its 1.25"), check the AP website for details.

Oh, this is even better since my ST2000XM can accomodate either a 2" or 1.25" accessory. Thanks for the heads-up!